Siphoning device for use in basting, measuring or immiscible liquid separation

Abstract

The siphoning device, with measuring indicators, is used for liquid--liquid separation. The body member has an outlet with an open tip; the outlet can have a peripheral rim with notches proximate the open tip. A two-way liquid valve contoured to approximate the contour of the interior of the outlet, controls liquid flow out of the body and permits flow into the body. A stem portion affixed to the liquid valve extends through and beyond the open tip of the outlet. Pressure on the stem places the valve in an open position and permits liquid to be discharged. An air pump interacts with the body to expel air and draw in the liquids. Generally the air pump is a flexible bulb with a one-way air valve to restrict air flow into the hollow body while permitting air flow out. The hollow body can be in two parts which are removably connected to one another. The travel of the liquid valve within the hollow body is limited by stops.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A siphoning device for use in liquid--liquid separation for medical, scientific and industrial employment, comprising: a hollow body member, said body member having: an inlet port, and   an outlet port,     a transfer tube, said transfer tube having a first end and a second end, said first end being affixed to said inlet port and said second end having an outlet region, said outlet region having an interior surface and a first open tip end with a fluid flow opening, said fluid flow opening having a radial dimension,   a two-way liquid valve, said two-way liquid valve being positioned within said outlet region, proximate said first open tip end, and   air pump means, said air pump means interacting with said outlet port of said body region to expel air from said hollow body member and to draw liquid, through said transfer tube, into said hollow body member,   said two-way liquid valve having an elongated stem member and a seal means, said seal means being movably positioned within said outlet region,   said seal means being movable from a first position to a second position and engaging said interior surface of said outlet region, proximate said first open tip when in said first position, thereby precluding fluid flow out of said hollow body member, and disengaging said interior surface of said outlet region when in said second position, thereby permitting flow into and out of said hollow body member,   said stem member having a first end and a second end, and being affixed to said seal means at said first end for travel with said seal means, the length of said stem member being substantially greater than said first open tip end fluid flow opening radial dimension,   whereby when said seal means is in said first position, said stem portion extends through and substantially beyond said open tip end, and when said stem portion second end is moved toward said open tip end of said outlet region, said seal member is moved away from said interior surface of said outlet region a distance which is substantially greater than said fluid flow opening radial dimension and providing a progressively increasing opening and axial flow of liquid out of said open tip end and past said stem portion;   and wherein pressure on said stem portion in the direction of said seal means moves said seal means out of contact with said interior wall, thereby placing said liquid valve in an open position and permitting liquid to be discharged axially from said hollow body member, through said first open tip end fluid flow opening and along said stem member.   
     
     
       2. The siphoning device of claim 1, wherein said air pump means is a flexible bulb affixed to said outlet port of said hollow body member. 
     
     
       3. The siphoning device of claim 2, wherein said stop means is located at the end portion of said stem member, said stop means having a diameter greater than the diameter of said fluid flow opening. 
     
     
       4. The siphoning device of claim 1, wherein the travel of said liquid valve body member toward said open position is limited by stop means. 
     
     
       5. The siphoning device of claim 1 further comprising a one-way air valve, said air valve restricting air flow into said hollow body member and permitting air flow out of said hollow body member. 
     
     
       6. The method of liquid separation and transfer using a device having a hollow body member, said body member having an inlet port and an outlet port, a transfer tube, said transfer tube having a first end and a second end, said first end being affixed to said inlet port and said second end having an outlet region, said outlet region having an interior surface and a first open tip end with a fluid flow opening, said fluid flow opening having a radial dimension, a two-way liquid valve positioned within said outlet region and having a stem member extending through said outlet region to the exterior of said hollow body member, said liquid valve restricting liquid flow out of said hollow body member and permitting the flow of liquid into said hollow body member, air pump means, said air pump means being in fluid tight engagement with said hollow body member and interacting with said liquid valve to expel air from said hollow body member and to draw fluid into said hollow body member and a one-way air valve, said air valve restricting air flow into said hollow body member and permitting air flow out of said hollow body member, comprising the steps of: 1--inserting said outlet region into a liquid such that the outlet of said outlet region is below the surface of said liquid,   2--pumping air out of said device through said air pump means by constricting said air pump means,   3--siphoning liquid into said device, by releasing said air pump means,   4--repeating steps 2 and 3 until the desired amount of liquid is transferred,   5--withdrawing said outlet region from said liquid, the two-way liquid valve restricting flow of liquid out of said device,   6--moving said device to a desired location,   -- activating said liquid valve by applying pressure on the portion of said stem member which extends exteriorly of said hollow body member, to allow said liquid to flow from said body member to said desired location, and   axially dispensing along said stem member, at least a portion of said liquid at said desired location.   
     
     
       7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of separating said liquid wherein is a plurality of immiscible liquids and further comprising the step of successively separating at least two of said immiscible liquids into separate containers, thereby separating said immiscible liquids. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of providing said liquid valve body member with a specific gravity substantially greater than that of the liquids being separated. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of drawing said liquid into said body member by using a flexible bulb affixed to said second open end of said hollow body member for an air pump means. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of allowing for liquid passage into said hollow body member through said outlet region by incorporating a peripheral rim proximate said open tip region, said peripheral rim having notches, said notches extending from the interior to the exterior of said outlet region.